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Kindergarten surprises

August 29th, 2006 at 4:45 pm. Posted in Journal,Rose's Guide.

Okay, I know I said in the lesson plan post that we were just coasting in K this year. Well, Princess S is not a “coaster.” She’s more a force of nature. The more I pondered it the more I came to the conclusion that she would not be happy to just putter around. She needs structure and she needs to be challenged–and she lets me know that quite often.

So the Holy Spirit reminded me today that in Mr. Rose’s book there is a section just for K (starting on p. 165). This section is complete with principles, overviews and lesson ideas. They even included a resource list for each subject. (Math is even planned daily, in chart form, for the first 9 weeks!) And there are gentle reminders about pacing and scheduling the K day (p. 192). I know much of that is for schools, but there is much to be said for scheduling the home school day as well.

I am VERY excited about this because it is exactly what she needs (even though my lazy self wants to take it easy!). And it’s all laid out for me, so I just need to break it down into weeks and with a little preparation I’m ready to go!

The kindergarten curriculum is important because once the child enters the first grade there will not be the same opportunity to lay the foundations in such a full, unhurried and enjoyable way. (p. 167)

4 Comments ( Reply )

Deidra
Aug 29, 2006 @ 9:28 pm

Amen! I’ve been slack with my ds(K). He asked me tonite if we could do math tomorrow!! I’m so haphazard with him b/c I’m focusing more on her(7). I think the K in GACE gives an EXCELLENT foundation and is rich in ‘mind’ food for them. I’ve been able to get History and non-core subjects done with both of them but the structure for the core(math, phonics) has been pretty absent…:-) Thanks for the kick in the butt!!

dee
Anna-Marie
Aug 30, 2006 @ 2:14 pm

That’s what I’m here for! lol I say jump on their excitement and it will carry them to the next level. I see now how when they are excited about a subject I need to adjust so I can foster that love. Also don’t forget all the enrichment that can go on outside of the math book! Get him ewxcited about math all around him and he’ll be hooked!
Lori
Aug 30, 2006 @ 2:34 pm

Anna-Marie,

Oh how I wish my boy was like your girl! (Thou shalt not covet, Lori!) I’m all ready to zoom ahead and boy just wants to play, watch movies, etc. Even with the “fun” stuff, he doesn’t think he’s being entertained enough! Can you say, “Are we almost done for the day yet, Mom?” I hear this probably 10 times in our 2-3 hour school day. I’m sure God is TRYING to teach me something in all of this.
Anna-Marie
Aug 30, 2006 @ 4:54 pm

Lori,

my oldest is just like your boy in that she used to ask a lot if we were done. And my 5yo loves TV. But I found when I make TV off limits during the school day she understands it’s not an option. And scheduling was a big hit too. She loves to see what’s next on her schedule. Maybe you can try that…??

Hang in there! He’s getting more than you think. God is like the gentle rain; your son might run around but in the end he will still get wet!